Being a part of such a diverse world with many cultures, religions, races, and beliefs brings many diverse identities. How you feel is essential, and being true to yourself will help you live your best life. We’ve put together some local resources to help 2SLGBTQQIA+ folx celebrate who they are!
Queers and Allies Program, Binesiwag Center for Wellness
BCW’s Queers and Allies (Q’s & A’s) program is a weekly drop-in program for 2SLGBTQIAP+ folx. Q’s & A’s is a safe space for individuals to explore their gender expression, gender identity, and sexual orientation through skill-building activities and events. This program is participant-driven, promotes peer support and community building, and educates members on harm reduction practices. For more information, contact bcwcoordinator1@gmail.com or call (807) 271-0700.
LGBTQ2S+ Council, Grand Council Treaty #3
Grand Council Treaty #3 is at an exciting stage of creating an LGBTQ2S+ Council as an Integral Part of Its National Governance. The Council will reflect on LGBTQ2S+ history and re-introduce their unique voice into the community at a Governance level.
Giinawind Program, United Native Friendship Center
UNFC’s Giinawind Program meets once a month and is dedicated to supporting parents/guardians/caregivers of 2SLGBTQIAP+ individuals in a safe space. This group educates caregivers on 2SLGBTQIAP+ knowledge and provides a platform for caregivers to support one another and ask questions free of judgment. For more information, contact kfoy@unfc.org or bcwcoordinator1@gmail.com.
Borderland Pride
Borderland Pride is the LGBTQ2 Pride organization for the Rainy River District in Northwestern Ontario and Koochiching Country in Northern Minnesota. They are based in Fort Frances, Ontario, and International Falls, Minnesota. Borderland Pride runs an LGBTQ2A Social Group in an effort to provide meaningful connections, support, and networking opportunities to LGBTQ2 members and the allies who love them in a safe and respectful social environment. The group meets on the second Wednesday of each month.
Rainy River Pride
A small group of community members have come together in support of LGBTQ2SIA people to help raise awareness and end stigma in the Rainy River area. For more information contact rainyriverpride@gmail.com.
Kenora Pride
Kenora Pride welcomes people of all ages and identities to help celebrate the diversity of Kenora, ON. This is not just for those who identify as a part of the LGBT2S+ community, this is for anyone who wants to learn, have fun and be an ally! Kenora Pride’s vision is to create a safe community where gender and sexually diverse people live with respect and honor, with resources and opportunities to thrive.
Rainbow Alliance Dryden
Rainbow Alliance Dryden focuses on planning Pride in Dryden, ON. They also plan to create an online/print resources database for community members, a partner in the community to support 2SLGBTQ+ people, and unite to provide support, education, and awareness for the LGBTQ2S+ community.
NorWest Community Health Centres
NorWest Community Health Centres (NWCHC) aims to make LGBTQ clients a priority by providing individuals with safe, supportive, and non-judgmental health and counseling services. NWCHC offers primary health care, counseling, and support groups (peer support) for individuals, their partners, family members, sexual health and screening, medical support for trans clients during a transition, and access to Telemedicine for long-distance appointments.
LGBT Youthline
LGBT YouthLine is a Queer, Trans, and Two-Spirit youth-led organization that affirms and supports the experiences of youth (29 and under) across Ontario. LGBT Youthline provides anonymous peer support and referrals while also training youth to provide support to other youth.
Do you need assistance?
- Trans Lifeline -Trans Lifeline is a grassroots hotline offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis.
- FIREFLY – FIREFLY is dedicated to supporting and strengthening the health and well-being of families, children, and youth through emotional, physical, developmental, and community services.
- Tribal Health – Tribal Health offers mental health services. Should an individual require same-day support services, you can call Tribal Health’s daily on-call counselor at (807) 271-0212.
SGEI is proud of our students
SGEI wants to help you celebrate your identity! If you need any guidance, our Mental Health Coordinator is here to help, whether you need someone to talk to or want to know what is available to you in our area. SGEI offers counseling services, and teachings about two-spirited people in the Anishinaabe culture, and we are hoping to have an LGBTQ2S+ peer group this upcoming school year. SGEI is here to help you be your true self. Feel free to contact our Mental Health Coordinator through our SGEI website for anything you may be needing guidance with.